Haley Snow’s e-zine is throwing a cocktail party to hopefully gain supporters for the electronic magazine.
Haley’s mother is the caterer. An explosion occurs with attendees being fished out of the water. Unfortunately, one attendee does not survive. Haley and company begin their investigation and must find proof that Janet Snow was not at fault. Was Janet being set up to take the fall? We’ll just have to see.

Gloria is turning 85 and Haley wants to through her a super party. Gloria’s family is coming to town to attend several events Haley has planned to make this memorable for Gloria.

I enjoy the series and this book is no exception. This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order to get the character development and their relationships cemented in your thoughts.

The twists were great and the reveal is enlightening.

I voluntarily chose to read this ARC from Netgalley and these are my opinions.

Lucy Burdette has another intense, creative, and totally enjoyable cozy! Her books are always fantastic and The Mango Murders is a gem!!!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Key West’s annual Sunset Celebration has been a huge event since the 1960s. This year, Key Zest – the e-zine that aspires to be the go-to source of information on all things Key West- is throwing a fete to attract new advertisers and draw attention to “outshine” the competition aboard the Pilar Too, a handcrafted wooden Hemingway yacht lookalike on a much larger scale. Hayley’s mom, Janet, is catering the affair, hoping to draw attention to her business as well.

All the guests have arrived and are enjoying yummy mango-infused delicacies and special cocktails when an explosion blows everything out of the water. The Coast Guard, the Key West Fire Department, and even other pleasure boats rush in to rescue people from the water as parts of the yacht, personal items, and even catering items float around them. Hayley was battered from her tumble into the water; some had more serious injuries, but one unidentified person lost their life.

It turns out the death was no accident. A competitor of Janet’s who wasn’t on the guest list is the victim, and Hayley is in the middle of another murder investigation that takes her deep into island and catering business politics filled with secrets and lies.

On top of a murder on her plate, Miss Gloria is turning 85, and her family is coming to Key West for several events Hayley has planned.

It is so good to be back in Key West with Hayley, Nathan, Gloria, and their friends and family. There is never a dull moment. Hayley and Nathan are blissfully happy most of the time. He doesn’t like her worming her way into his cases, even though he knows she is good at getting to the truth. He just wants to keep her safe. Gloria is a spitfire as always, especially when her daughters-in-law are in town. Janet and Sam are supportive rocks for everyone. Nathan’s mom, Helen, always cracks me up. She loves helping Hayley sleuth. All of Ms. Burdette’s characters are genuine, even the ones that try everyone’s nerves.

The author plotted out a marvelous mystery. A yacht blowing up is a quick way to grab everyone’s attention, mine included. While tragic, it could have been so much worse. Hayley getting involved was a given, but this was a complicated mystery. Was the deceased the intended victim? The ship was filled with Key West movers and shakers. Or was the target Hayley’s boss, Palamina? Or her mom, Janet? Hayley, sometimes assisted by Helen, followed each and every clue, sometimes circling back to approach things in different ways. But it was while Hayley was alone that the case took a surprising twist, followed by a very interesting reveal, an entertaining rescue, and a great takedown.

Amongst all the sleuthing and snooping, people were celebrating Miss Gloria’s 85th birthday with several fun events. It is just sad that when her family comes to town, they only have one mission on their minds. Getting her to leave Key West, her home, and the place where she is happy. She has made strong friendships and built her own Key West family. I think now they have realized that, but you never know.

I loved all the mango drinks, cakes, and dishes, but what hit home with me was Janet’s Tuna Noodle Casserole. Her’s has a few more ingredients in it than our family recipe, and we use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom, but I think every Midwest household grew up with some version of this casserole as a family staple. I added all the ingredients to the grocery list this week, so I will be delightfully enjoying some myself soon.

The Mango Murders is filled with characters that I love who continue to evolve in wonderful ways in each new story. Ms. Burdette has surrounded them with a complex mystery that surprised me in more ways than one. Of course, the backdrop of Key West is an amazing setting that I wish I could run away to and visit often. The final chapters had me smiling ear to ear and so excited to read next year’s 16th installment of this fabulous series

A fabulous setting filled with sunshine and delicious food makes this the perfect summer mystery.

Even though it’s the 15th book in the series, I had no trouble following Hayley’s adventure and enjoyed every moment.

The story is fun, light, and entertaining, making it an easy, enjoyable read. Plus, it includes recipes! What more could you ask for?

5/5 stars: This is the fifteenth entry in Burdette' Key West Food Critic Mystery series, which is a Literary Culinary Cozy Mystery set in Florida and follows a food writer and critic as she once again finds herself turning sleuth after learning a local culinary entrepreneur died in a luxurious cruise's explosion during a cocktail party hosted by her employer and catered by her mother. She'll have to navigate a web of secrets and lies as her investigation takes her from island politics to fierce competition between high-end event caterers and personal vendettas. With the clock ticking, she must rely on her keen intuition to unmask the cunning culprit before they strike again. With plenty of twists and turns, Burdette has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Burdette' writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Hayley's a great character and it's a joy to catch up with her, her detective husband, Nathan, her friends and family, colleagues at Key Zest and the eclectic folks of Key West. I especially get a kick out of her octogenarian best pal Gloria. And for the animals lovers: you'll love Hayley's adorable little dog, Ziggy and her sassy cat, Evinrude. Burdette really sets the scene of life in the Keys especially houseboat living. Oh and I absolutely adore the culinary quotes heading each chapter; reading all the food descriptions will make you hungry to try one of the oh so delicious included recipes. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, An Appetite for Murder.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love the food descriptions and glimpses into Key West, old friend that it is. But this is book 15. I spent most if the book thinking can we please get some character development for Nathan? And maybe tender moments or something other than interrogation and demanding that Hayley play it safe? The middle of the book went round in circles speaking to the same people numerous times but it finally got back on track at the very end.

Mango mayhem! This book starts with a bang (literally) and never slows down. Who would want to blow up a boat hosting a party of foodies, movers, and shakers? It definitely shakes up Hayley, her mom and stepdad, and the Key Zest staff who were all onboard. It's another wonderful mystery!

Here's a proofread and edited version of your review, focusing on clarity, syntax, and flow. I've aimed to make it read smoothly while retaining your voice and insights.

As a long-time fan of Burdette's Key West Food Critic Mystery series, I've always looked forward to each new volume. For the first time, however, I had some reservations. I love cooking and eating, but reader, I really dislike mangoes. Burdette deserves an extra star, because by the end of the novel, I was willing to concede the fruit does have merit. Mangoes, in fact, are secondary to this high-action plot, which opens with a literal bang.

The Pilar Too, a small cruise ship carrying guests for an event designed to promote Key Zest and Hayley's mother's catering business, explodes and burns in full view of the Mallory Square sunset gathering. Through Hayley's eyes, we see the chaos of the rescue and the aftermath. From this riveting opening, the plot diverges into two streams.

The main plot revolves around the planned celebration for our beloved Miss Gloria, who is turning 85. The gathering, comprised of family and friends, provides ample opportunity for Hayley to dine while also following her instincts for crime solving. For me, the interaction between family members—some genuinely loved, others poster children for rudeness—reveals Burdette's astute observation into the human condition. For example, an ongoing theme has been Nathan's overprotectiveness regarding Hayley. Now stressed by both the police matter and his family, Nathan appears to regress to his earlier, obstinate self. To be fair, neither partner is showing their best self; Hayley, too, is being obstinate. It is to Burdette's credit that she doesn't sugarcoat Hayley; her foibles make her all the more likable in the long run.

As with all books in this series, Burdette plays fair with the reader. The perpetrator is not obvious; there are plenty of red herrings, but the mystery can be solved with careful reading. The ending closes with a twist that may change everything, leaving me eagerly looking ahead to book sixteen.

This will make a great book club selection and is suitable for readers from YA to adult.

Full disclosure: I received the ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane in exchange for an unbiased review.

This latest in the long running series sees Hayley on a party boat that explodes, leaving one dead and everyone else in the ocean. She's rescued, of course, and she's determined to find the villain, especially since her mom might have been the target, despite the disapproval of her husband Nathan. Oh, and she's also got a party to plan for her older pal Gloria. As with Hayley's earlier adventures, this blends family with found family with atmospherics and local issues. I'm a fan. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. AND- recipes.

The end of the first chapter had me wanting to know more! Some parts of the book felt so real with the tension, the drama and the little argument between Nathan and Hayley. The book started out strong by grabbing my attention, but I feel that certain parts of the investigation didn’t have the right details. It took a while to find out who the victim was and there was not much information that felt related. The ending gave enough to make you want to see what is in store next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for a review.

Hayley is part of a PR cocktail sunset cruise, when the boat catches fire and explodes. This book begins with this bang and is non-stop throughout. Side plots include Miss Gloria's 85th birthday bash and family drama. A body is found in the boat after the explosion and Hayley lends her help to the cause. Her mother-in-law quickly jumps into help. It's another great trip to Key West, with plenty of surprises and interesting developments. Looking forward to the next adventure!

This review of The Mango Murders by Lucy Burdette is courtesy of NetGalley
#TheMangoMurders #NetGalley #CulinaryMystery #CozyMystery #LucyBurdette

This is Book 15 of A Key West Food Critic Mystery series.

I've reviewed a few books from the series now. See my review of book 14 at https://www.netgalley.com/book/320040/review/29073.

As always, there's a little "travel brochure* feel in parts for Key West, some food descriptions, and returning beloved characters who are involved with solving a murder. This book also had a bit more about the downsides of tourism and how it can affect locals and the locale. This gave parts a downer feel for me and made me want to like the book less than others in the series. However, there is a development towards the end that may bring a refreshing change to the long running series.

Rating 4/5
Publication Date: Aug 12 2025

The Mango Murders is book #15 in the Key West Food Critic series, which I’ve enjoyed from the beginning. I love the vibrant characters and the setting. This book was a little more focused on things outside the mystery but I still enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing what comes next. Thank you for choosing me to receive an advance copy.

This new installment in the series is well-paced, intriguing with a good dose of suspense. It drew me in from the start with vivid descriptions. A solid piece!

Another wonderful visit to Key West. All the usual characters plus all family members appear. Most are there for a birthday celebration. Clever cozy murder mystery. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Haley Snow was looking forward to the cocktail cruise during the Sunset Celebration on the square. All the local movers and shakers in Key West politics and the stars of the foody scene were coming, and she was expecting a boost in interest in her e-zine, Key Zest, and in her mother’s catering business.
Alas, the party had hardly started before it ended with a bang, literally. The Pilar Too, a wooden, hand-crafted yacht fashioned after Hemingway’s iconic ship, was badly damaged from an explosion in the lower galley. The passengers were flung into the water, but all were rescued with a few minor injuries. When the smoke cleared, however, a body was found near the explosion, unknown and uninvited.
Haley’s policeman husband, as always, urged Haley not to get involved, and as always, she ignored him. This case was personal, and she intended to find out who was responsible. This time her mother-in-law was assisting her.
The field of suspects was wide and varied. Was it someone with a grudge against her mother and her catering business, a vengeful ex-lover of one of the passengers, a political conflict? Had the captain of the ship angered a rival? Was the dead woman an innocent victim, or had the bomber been caught in her own scheme? As Haley got closer to the truth, she and her family narrowly escaped a series of attacks.
This is the latest in the Key West Food Critic mystery series, and like the others has engaging characters, a well-plotted mystery, an intriguing and colorful setting, and several delicious recipes.

Another delightful entry in one of my favorite series! I especially enjoyed the surprise at the end (which I kind of suspected but wasn't sure of). Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author.

Pack your bags and get ready for another fun adventure with Hailey and her friends in festive Key West, Florida. A cocktail cruise planned to help boost both Hailey's employer and her mother's catering business ends in tragedy and Hailey is left with lots of questions and no answers. With the help of her mother, stepmom and mother-in-law they try to figure out who caused this disaster and why, but have they now made themselves a target too?

The unfolding mystery had plenty of moving parts, each one adding to the intrigue and keeping the story thoroughly engaging. The setting added an additional layer or charm.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Food critic Hayley Snow’s employer, publisher Key Zest, is hosting a lavish social event on board a tourist boat in Key West. The cocktail party is being catered by Hayley’s mother, Janet. They’re both anticipating positive publicity and rave reviews and are pleased with how well the event is going… that is, until an explosion sinks the vessel and everyone ends up in the ocean.

An investigation reveals one person left behind who did not survive. Nor did the incident appear to be an accident. Somebody had it in for either Hayley’s mother, her publisher, or perhaps even the boat’s captain. Haley’s insider knowledge proves to be a bonus as she interviews guests who were on the boat along with the staff. Her investigation takes her into danger against the advice of her law enforcement husband. But with her mother’s reputation at stake, Hayley will do what she must to unmask a cunning killer. A fast-paced whodunit, this story’s tempting food descriptions are the icing on the cake. Treat yourself and get a copy now!

This is my favorite of the series! This is 15th in series and such a exceptional cozy mystery. The author has once again transported this reader to Key West and Haley's foodie paradise. The book starts with a elegant party on a boat catered by Haley and organized by her Mother. A explosion stops the party and soon it's discovered a murder occurred. Haley and detective hubby Nathan are both determined to solve the mysterious death.
While balancing another party for Miss Gloria, her food review job and pregnancy Haley is her fabulous multi tasking self as she investigates.
I loved the action in this next in series. The supporting characters are fabulous and add fun and humor to the series. The setting of Key West atmospheric. I loved it and read it cover to cover.
Thank you to the author, Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity. My review is my own opinion.